Australia will be without the services of Mitchell Starc for their final ODI against South Africa in Potchesfroom this Saturday, as the fast bowler is to return to Australia to attend the Women’s T20 World Cup final in Melbourne on Sunday.

Starc’s wife, Alyssa Healy, is part of the Australian squad that reached the final on Thursday with a five-run win (DLS) over South Africa. Their opponents will be India who qualified courtesy of finishing top of Group A after their semi-final with England was washed out.

“It is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for Mitch to watch Alyssa in a home World Cup final and so we we’re happy to allow him to return home to support his wife and be part of a fantastic occasion,” said Australia head coach Justin Langer.

“It is something we have been talking about for a while and, given Mitch has had a considerable workload in all three formats this summer, his heading home a couple of days ahead of the rest of the squad means he will have a chance to refresh ahead of our home and away one-day internationals and Twenty20 internationals against New Zealand that will wrap up our season.

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“We have plenty of fast bowling options with us here in South Africa with Josh Hazlewood, Jhye Richardson and Kane Richardson all sitting out our previous match in Bloemfontein, and Mitch’s absence will offer one of them an opportunity to impress in Saturday’s match.”

South Africa have an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.